Stanford University Mathematics Camp

Student Life in SUMaC

Not only will this program provide you with an enriching academic experience, but we also want to have some fun along the way. Our online program will incorporate robust student life activities that build community, promote personal growth, and inspire lifelong learning beyond the classroom. Each week, participants will have the opportunity to attend special lectures, panel discussions, and other social events.

Daily Expectations

Participants have full daily schedules which incorporate the academic and social aspects of the program. Class time and student life activities are scheduled in an effort to accommodate multiple time zones. Each participant will have a unique schedule as they join our online community from their homes around the world.

In addition to the daily live class period, students can expect to have roughly 3-5 hours of academic work per weekday. Outside of the scheduled class period, students are able to set their own schedule for when they work on class assignments and problem sets.

As this summer's participants come together virtually from around the world, we are planning a variety of social opportunities to help you get to know your fellow classmates. SUMaC participants are invited to attend a variety of student life events that are open to participants from all Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) summer programs. Participants will also be invited to attend activities that are open only to SUMaC participants. With events offered in a range of topics, group sizes, and times, we hope each participant can build a personalized experience that fits their interests and schedule!

Pronto

All participants and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies staff will have access to Pronto, which is a group messaging platform. This platform is intended to build community and keep participants up to date on important program matters. All users are expected to engage with each other in a respectful, civil manner. Use of the platform to bully, harass, or haze will not be tolerated. The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies Code of Conduct applies to digital platforms, such as Pronto.

Unique SUMaC Activities

When you attend SUMaC, not only will you engage in deep exploration of mathematics, but you will also be immersed in a community of peers who share your mathematical talent and curiosity. Get to know your fellow participants in a variety of events designed uniquely for SUMaC participants, including:

  • Guest lectures with faculty from Stanford University Mathematics Department, as well as other researchers and professionals in the mathematical sciences.
  • Small group sessions with Dr. Rick Sommer, co-founder of SUMaC.
  • Mathematical puzzles and games sessions with instructors and participants.
  • Panel discussions about academic and career paths in mathematics.

A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the start of the program.

Example Daily Schedule

AM Schedule

PM Schedule

SPCS Events and Workshops

Throughout the session, we will offer a number of workshops and events that participants in all our summer programs may choose to attend. These events are optional and open to all program participants. We encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with peers over shared interests and to explore new topics beyond your academic coursework.

Please note that not all events will align with each participant’s schedule. For any participants who are unable to attend an event in real time, we will make recordings of workshops available whenever possible. Participants will receive a detailed schedule of events closer to the start of the program.

Below, explore a sample of events that are open to all program participants.

Example Events and Workshops

Guest Speaker Series
Show Hide
Speakers from a variety of professions and academic disciplines will join us to discuss their research, expertise, career paths, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about fields in healthcare, biomedical sciences, the humanities, and more.
Student Life Workshops
Show Hide
SPCS Student Life offers workshops for all summer program participants. Example workshops include a talk by Stanford Undergraduate admissions, a stress management workshop, and a college panel
Game Night
Show Hide
Considered a SUMaC tradition, Friday Game Night provides an opportunity for students to unwind after a week of lectures and problem sets by participating in a fun game night. Led by SUMaC Teaching Assistants, this is a great way to build community with your cohort and have fun with your TAs.